Passport Consent Letter Template for the United States

When applying for a passport for your child in the United States, you'll need a Passport Consent Letter if both parents or legal guardians cannot appear together at the application appointment. This federally mandated document ensures compliance with Department of State security measures designed to prevent international child abduction and unauthorized travel with minors.

When do you need this document?

You must provide a Passport Consent Letter when applying for a passport for any child under 16 years old and one parent or legal guardian cannot be present during the application process. This includes situations where parents are divorced, separated, or when one parent is deployed overseas, traveling for business, or otherwise unavailable. The document is also required when a legal guardian other than a biological parent is applying for the child's passport. Additionally, if you're renewing an expired passport for a minor and both parents cannot attend the appointment, this consent letter becomes necessary to demonstrate continuing authorization.

Key legal considerations

The Passport Consent Letter must include comprehensive identifying information for all parties, including full legal names, addresses, contact information, and government-issued identification details. Your consent declaration must explicitly state authorization for passport application, issuance, and intended travel purposes. The document requires notarization in accordance with your state's specific requirements, and the notary must verify the identity of the consenting parent or guardian. You should be aware that providing false information or forged consent can result in federal criminal charges under passport fraud statutes. The letter must also address any custody arrangements or court orders that might affect the child's ability to travel internationally.

Legal requirements in United States

Under 22 CFR 51.28, both parents or legal guardians must consent to passport issuance for children under 16, with very limited exceptions for cases involving sole custody or parental death. The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative requires proper documentation for all travel between the United States and neighboring countries. If you cannot obtain consent from the other parent, you must provide evidence such as a court order granting sole legal custody, a death certificate, or Form DS-3053 explaining the circumstances. The Hague Convention on International Child Abduction influences these requirements to prevent unauthorized removal of children across international borders. State-specific notarization laws govern the authentication process, with some states requiring additional witness signatures or specific notarial language. The Department of State may reject applications with incomplete or improperly executed consent documentation, potentially delaying your child's travel plans.